Enjoy the Rich Heritage of the U.S. Golf Association Museum

Among the many wonderful aspects of living in northern New Jersey are the local gems that are often located right in our own backyard.  Case in point is the United States Golf Association’s Museum and Arnold Palmer Center for Golf History, right down the road from the Far Hills Office of Turpin Real Estate.  It is located about two miles away at 77 Liberty Corner Road.

As well as being a valuable resource of golf history, the museum’s historic mansion is an architectural standout designed by John Russell Pope.  Now through January 31^st, visitors can view “Swing With The Stars: Golf and Hollywood.”  This exhibit displays vintage photographs of Hollywood stars and golf-related movie posters.

Visitors to the museum can also take in the mansion’s holiday decorations through January 9.  The circa 1919 mansion has been decked out by four area designers, including  Robin LaMonte of Rooms Revamped, Inc. in Basking Ridge and Sagri Frieber of Accents by Design in Bedminster.

A uniquely memorable destination, the USGA Museum showcases the largest and most significant collection of golf memorabilia in the United States. Interactive exhibits tell the story of the game’s development in this country, highlighting the greatest moments and greatest champions in the game’s history.

You are welcome to stop by our Far Hills office at 21 U.S. Route 202 before or after your visit to the USGA Museum to learn more about Far Hills real estate and the other exciting aspects of living in the Somerset Hills.

Newly Priced In-Town Colonial In Far Hills

Representing an impressive value in Far Hills real estate, this newly reduced Colonial is located in close proximity to the village’s train station, shops, eateries and the Far Hills Fairgrounds.  Built in 1940 with the abundant charm of that era, this appealing home features numerous updates and has been newly painted. From its white picket fence to its inviting front door entry, the curb appeal is instantly apparent.

Gathering spaces within the three bedroom, two full bath layout include a well-sized living room, formal dining room, cozy front den, eat-in kitchen and sun-filled breakfast room overlooking the backyard and terrace.  Additionally, the home has a two-car detached garage as well as an unfinished basement.

Far Hills is also known for its lower property tax rate, adding to the affordability of this outstanding property, which is offered for $399,000.

Far Hills Colonial Just Three Blocks from Train Station

This Colonial residence combines a sterling location—suitable for home or office use—just three blocks from the NJ Transit Far Hills train station for Manhattan-bound rail service.  It most recently was used to house law offices, but could easily be converted for residential use.  Another option is a work at home arrangement, using the upstairs as living quarters.

Interior highlights include hardwood floors on the main level, high ceilings, classic moldings, a fireplace and a full basement.  Four rooms on the main floor include a living room, dining room, den and family room, as well as a kitchen.  The layout provides ample space for personal or commercial use.  Upstairs are three bedrooms, and the home has one full bath and one powder room. 

Located on .21 acres, exterior features include sidewalks, shade awnings, wood fencing and a detached two-car garage with automatic openers.  Built in 1920, this home has been extensively updated through the years and is painted in updated, neutral tones.  Moderate property taxes are another aspect of this inviting Colonial.  Providing a number of flexible uses, it awaits a buyer who seeks to invest in Far Hills real estate for personal or commercial endeavors.

Recently reduced, this enchanting home represents Far Hills real estate at its most charming.  Built in around 1850, architectural elements from the Victorian and Colonial periods combine in an appealing way.  Set on top of a gently rising knoll down the street from Ravine Lake, the captivating .75-acre property presents brick pathways, green lawns, a seating gazebo, tiered landscaping, stone walls and an in-ground pool bordered by an entertainment-sized brick terrace. 

Outbuildings are painted to match the red clapboard exterior of the main house and include a storage shed and garage with loft storage.  A wide, covered front porch is a perfect place to take in the rolling scenery that surrounds this welcoming home.

An eight-room floor plan includes three bedrooms, two full baths and a powder room.  The master bedroom contains a dressing room and full bath.  Gathering areas within the home include a living room with fireplace, formal dining room, den, family room and country kitchen.  Outbuildings provide garage parking for nine cars.

Other features of this home are partial, unfinished basement, private well water and septic, multiple zones of central air conditioning and hot water baseboard oil heat.

This inviting Far Hills home has been reduced to $795,000.  Set on a winding country road, it is conveniently located minutes from Routes 202 and 206, Interstate 287, the Far Hills train station and the shops and restaurants in Far Hills, Peapack-Gladstone or Bernardsville.

Turpin Real Estate is one of the sponsors of Beyond The Walls’ 5K race and one-mile walk/fun run tomorrow.  This event takes place at Natirar, called “A Crown Jewel of New Jersey’s Open Spaces.”  Making the race extra special is the fact that this is the first such event to be held at Natirar.  Adding to the festive atmosphere will be live music by Scrambler.  There are plenty of seating areas throughout the course from which to observe the beauty of Natirar while cheering on the racers.

Spread out among the neighboring municipalities of Far Hills, Bedminster and Peapack-Gladstone, Natirar is the historic 411-acre former estate of the King of Morocco.  It was originally occupied by Kate Macy Ladd (heir to the Macy’s department store) and Walter Graeme Ladd.  The property features panoramic vistas of open lawns, forests, as well as farm buildings, residential structures and outbuildings dating from the mid-18^th to the mid-19th centuries.  The Peapack Brook and the North Branch of the Raritan River run through the property.  Today, the land is owned by the Somerset County Park Commission.

Registration begins at 10:30am and the one-mile fun run/walk is scheduled for noon.  Dogs are welcome to accompany their owners on this fun run.  There will be awards for the top three male and female finishers under the age of 13. 

 The 5K race begins at 12:30pm.  Awards will be given for the top three male and female runners overall.  Specific age group winners for the 5K race will be for the top three male and female runners 14 years or under and those age 15 to 19, and for those in five-year increments from 20 to 80 and above.  The awards ceremony will take place as soon as the 5K race is completed.

Beyond The Walls is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making substantial long-term impact in the lives of the poor and disadvantaged through focused opportunities in the community, the country, and the world. They believe meaningful impact is achieved by focusing on the physical, relational and spiritual needs of those they serve. This holistic approach addresses a variety of needs: education, food, housing, medical care, micro-enterprise, job training, and mentoring.

In addition, Beyond The Walls encourages, empowers and inspires volunteers “to whom much is given” to be the agents of change in these under-resourced communities by connecting them to relational, hands-on-service.

Turpin is proud to sponsor this exciting event and welcomes all observers and attendees to visit their nearby Far Hills office for the latest information about Far Hills real estate.

Carefree Townhouse Living at The Polo Club

The adjectives that immediately come to mind when considering this townhouse include stylish, maintenance-free and convenient.  The Polo Club is a well-kept secret in Far Hills real estate, offering a carefree yet sophisticated lifestyle in the Somerset Hills.  Tucked away in a quiet enclave setting, it is walking distance to the Far Hills train station and village shops.

An end unit with many amenities of a single-family home, this residence presents an ideal opportunity for empty-nest or downsizing buyers.  The sunny layout offers two bedrooms as well as a second floor den, three full baths and a powder room on three levels.

A spacious ten-room floor plan includes two fireplaces, high and cathedral ceilings, hardwood floors and an open flow from one room to the next.  The finished lower level contains a generously-sized finished bonus room– presently used as office space– and a full bath.

Manicured grounds and a paver front walkway characterize the townhome’s inviting covered entry, which is supported by classic white columns.  The front door opens to a bright, airy step-down living room anchored by a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. In the cathedral ceiling family room, a second fireplace is an elegant focal point with its painted white wood mantelpiece.  Special occasions or everyday meals are equally at home in the dining room.  The appealing eat-in kitchen is clad in all white cabinetry with some glass upper doors and white-paneled appliances for a seamless look.  A rear deck is ideal for outdoor dining, with wooded views and steps to the yard.

Upstairs, the master suite with walk-in closet has a private, full bath with oversized glass door shower and angled whirlpool tub.  Another bedroom, full bath and den complete this level.
 
Other amenities in this immaculate townhouse include an attached two-car garage, oversized windows, cedar storage closets, skylight, fire alarm and security systems.  Built in 1995, pride of ownership is evident in this residence, which features neutral paint colors and is in move-in condition.

Turpin’s Far Hills Office successfully listed and sold the Sarah Condict Cottage in 2004.  The term “cottage” is a bit of a misnomer, since the gracious home is really a full-sized mansion designed by one of the country’s premier firms.

A George B. Post and Sons design, Sarah Condict Cottage on the Bernardsville Mountain was constructed as a summer residence in 1899.  Architectural features often seen in the firm’s works were included in this simple yet elegant Colonial Revival residence.  A two-story columned entry portico, strong classical details and roof rails enclosing a widow’s walk enhance the façade, which was fashioned from stucco and local fieldstone.

How the Sarah Condict Cottage got its name is a mystery.  Sarah Frances Condict (1859-1917) may have lived there briefly, however, her older sister’s name, Caroline Ellen Condict (1856-1949), actually appears on the deed.

The property surrounding the Cottage was once part of the Eliza Ballentine farm, which George B. Post purchased in 1871.  In 1899, Sarah’s sister Caroline bought nine acres from Post.  Research indicates that Post’s son William (a member of his father’s firm and credited with many Bernardsville home designs) drew up the plans for the Cottage.

Real estate records show that the Cottage was rented for $1,800 a year in 1902.  In 1904, five years after she purchased the land, Caroline Condict transferred the title to Edith Sands Graham, who retained it for the next 20 years.  Homeowners in the 1920s commissioned famous landscape architect Ellen Biddle Shipman to design gardens for the estate.  A perennial garden and fountain on the grounds are lasting reminders of her contribution. 

The Cottage exchanged hands several times in the decades that followed, gaining a reputation as a local treasure among Bernardsville homes for sale.  Extensively modernized through the years, the restoration work was careful to recognize Sarah Condict Cottage’s architectural integrity.  Today, about six acres surround the Cottage and amenities include a pool, tennis court, barn with apartment and several other dependencies.

Next Saturday, October 23 is Race Day, the 90th running of this highly-anticipated annual steeplechase event sponsored by the Far Hills Race Meeting Association.  Over 40,000 spectators are expected to attend at Moorland Farms in Far Hills, right across Route 202 from Turpin Real Estate’s Far Hills Office.  The race has a longstanding reputation for being one of the biggest social events in the state.  It shines the spotlight on some of the best steeplechasers in the world, and the colorful backdrop of Fall scenery at Moorland Farms makes it even more memorable.

This year, there is a new reserved parking section especially for families.  This new area offers a larger tailgating space as well as open space for children’s play. 

The Far Hills Race Meeting’s history reaches back to 1870 when the Essex Hunt was a fox-hunting event founded in Essex County’s Montclair. The hunts were originally established as a way to thank landowners and farmers who let the Essex Fox Hounds members hunt on their property.  The spirit of that tradition continues today at the race’s elaborate tailgate parties, where it’s not unusual to see silver candelabras and ice sculptures set amid gourmet feasts.  Come rain or shine, this time-honored event is always well-attended.

A singular event that attracts people from the tri-state area and beyond, the race is a rare combination of socializing and sporting.  Total race day purses will equal $660,000, with six races offering the highest purses on the National Steeplechase Association circuit. Attendants include families, race enthusiasts, corporate sponsors and local organizations who gather together for a worthy cause, The Somerset Medical Center.

General admission and parking tickets can be purchased in advance at many local businesses for a reduced rate. On race day, full-price general admission and parking tickets will be available at the gate. Gates open at 8am, and post time for the first race is 1pm.

If you have some time before or after the races, or anytime, drop by our Far Hills Office and learn about the latest sales trends and home listings from our knowledgeable sales agents, all experts in Far Hills real estate.

The 1983 transfer of Natirar (Raritan spelled backwards) for $7.5 million set the New Jersey real estate sales record for the highest sales price.  Turpin handled the sale of the Kate Macy Ladd estate to King Hassan II, Sovereign of Morocco.  The 500-acre estate is so vast that is fans out across three different municipalities: Peapack-Gladstone, Bedminster and Far Hills.  Situated at the end of a mile-long drive, Natirar’s main house is a 28,000 square foot brick mansion commanding spectacular views from its hilltop vantage point. Panoramas from the library overlook look the North Branch of the Raritan River as it flows along two miles of the property’s borders.

Harvard-educated architect Guy Lowell designed Natirar’s Tudor-style mansion, a 40-room residence which was completed in 1912.  Lowell also designed the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and the New York County Court House on Manhattan’s Foley Square.  He was assisted by Henry Hardenberg of New Brunswick, who designed academic buildings at Rutgers University and Manhattan landmarks including the Dakota apartment building the Plaza Hotel.

For many years Natirar was the site of the Kate Macy Ladd Convalescent Home for women. Kate Macy Ladd maintained a summer rest home at Maple Cottage, one of the estate’s outbuildings, for 35 years.  In her husband’s will it was stipulated that Natirar would be converted into a convalescent home for women upon his wife’s death.  The will further stated that residents would stay free of charge, with all fees covered by the Kate Macy Ladd Fund.  From the time the home opened in 1949 until its sale in the 1980s, over 20,000 women benefited from the couple’s generosity.  Under the terms of Mr. Ladd’s will, use of the home as a convalescent facility was to be discontinued after May 21, 1983.

After the home was sold to King Hassan in 1983, it remained mostly vacant.  King Hassan reportedly never spent one night in his palatial estate, and never hosted any events or parties there.  Reports say that he visited Natirar just three or four times before he died in 1991, when the estate was inherited by his son, King Mohammed VI of Morocco. In the ensuing years it was still a quiet place; a handful of staff members lived in an outbuilding and one person resided in a few of the estate’s rooms.

The estate was sold to Somerset County for $22 million in 2004.  Most of the land is county-owned parkland and open space; about 90 acres are used for a luxury spa, resort and culinary center owned by Richard Branson aptly named, “The Club at Natirar”

The sale of Natirar represents one of the most notable of the many record-setting sales Turpin has handled throughout the years.

Chase Hollow: A Grand Estate in Far Hills

Chase Hollow is a rare Far Hills real estate offering.  This gated manor is set on over ten acres of park-like surroundings with an in-ground pool and stylish outdoor kitchen fabricated of brick.  Located just four minutes from the Far Hills train station, it provides a secluded retreat that is centrally located.

Built in 1991, the immaculate stone front home features remarkable details inside and out.  A floor plan of 7,100-plus square feet has been decorated and updated by Jeff Haines, a design professional with Butler’s of Far Hills.  In 2008, the walk-out lower level was re-configured with a billiard/tavern room, wine cellar, garden room, exercise room and guest bedroom with full bath, adding an additional 2,000 square feet to the layout.  Outside, a newer kitchen connects to the patio and pergola enhancing the swimming pool.

A sun-filled interior features five bedrooms, five full baths and two powder rooms.  Among the formal gathering areas are a spacious living room anchored by a fireplace and a dining room appointed with tea-stained walls applied in a faux finish.  An open flow from the first floor study reveals a conservatory marked by pillars.  In the appealing chef’s kitchen, every imaginable amenity is available to create memorable meals, including an adjoining dining area.  The kitchen connects to a family room with stone fireplace.

Upstairs, four newly decorated bedrooms provide private en-suite baths.  There is a fifth bedroom which is now utilized as a state-of-the-art office with handsome cabinetry.  Of special note is the opulent master suite which has been re-designed to include two dressing rooms as well as a lavishly-appointed master bath.  The bath contains two sink areas, limestone flooring, a whirlpool tub and a spacious European-style shower with multi-heads.

Deer fencing encloses the perimeter of the yard, and a secure high tech gate marks the entrance to Chase Hollow.  A spectrum of mechanical systems includes six zones of heating and air conditioning, custom lighting, and elaborate computer, stereo and security systems.